"Egad, I'm not sure. I'll try, if you've no objection," said Ronald.
Whereat, Mr. Ryan grinned, and handed his friend a glass and a bottle, all to himself.
The luncheon was resumed, and then the party began to break up into little groups. Pat, of course, going with Miss Lester, while Bell went under the wing of Bubbles, though she secretly sighed for the society of Gerald Foster. So, in a short time, Ronald found himself alone with Carmela, whose eyes turned on him with eager expectation.
"Well," she asked, "is there anything new?"
"Yes; I've seen your sister."
"And she is innocent?"
"Yes, and moreover, has told us who committed the crime."
Carmela was startled.
"Does she know who did it?"
"She says so. Your cousin!"